The different types of damage caused to ancient Chinese architecture by the Wenchuan earthquake were summarized as a basis for protecting such ancient structures in the future. For wooden structures, destruction of foundations, shift of column bases, incline of columns, separation of tenons from mortises, cracks in the decoration, incline of the roof system, loss of tiles, collapse of filler walls, etc were found. Masonry and brick-wooden structures, because of the materials’ anti-dragging, anti-pressure and anti-shearing forces strengths are relatively weak, tended to collapse during the earthquake. Conclusion was drawn that the main reasons for damage to ancient structures are the extremely strong seismic force, the lack of timely maintenance and reinforcement of the ancient structures, poor construction, the natural weakness of masonry materials, etc. Possible aseismic reinforcement remedies for each damage type were recommended. Based on the above work, it is concluded that to improve the aseismic capability of ancient Chinese structures and to minimize earthquake damage, more effort should be put into maintenance and reinforcement and timely removal of latent problems.